Older adults in Northern Virginia have a lot to enjoy in the community: beautiful views, exciting community events and neighborhood gatherings, and more. However, getting there remains a challenge for many. Transportation for ages 50+ in NOVA is available for individuals and families seeking options to meet short- or long-term transportation. SCNOVA, as well as others in Virginia, offer multiple choices for community-based transportation assistance for older adults.
From volunteer opportunities to transportation programs set up by local governments, there are plenty of ways to reach your destination. Individuals and families simply need to know where to look!
Here are some of the most frequently used community-based transit programs that offer assistance specifically for older adults in Northern Virginia, including those with physical or cognitive limitations.
Shepherd’s Centers
Among the most available options for transportation assistance are Shepherd’s Centers such as SCNOVA. These volunteer organizations provide a plethora of supportive services for older adults, including transit.
The Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia offers both medical and companion transportation depending on your specific needs. Medical transit specifically focuses on doctors’ appointments, therapy sessions, and more. While rides need to be scheduled in advance, SCNOVA aims to make staying healthy possible by removing limitations to accessing medical care, including services for physical and mental health needs.
Companion transportation focuses on other trips: to banks, pharmacies, the store, the library, and other places that help maintain basic human dignity, joy, and the ability to age in place. Companion rides should also be scheduled in advance.
Transportation services are available to eligible participants living in select areas of Fairfax County, including Oakton, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, Dunn Loring, and Merrifield, as well as portions of Fairfax within designated ZIP codes and neighborhoods.
Senior SmarTrip®
For those looking to use public transit, individuals can purchase a Senior SmarTrip® card for just $2. This card provides discounted fares on the region’s public transport, such as MetroBus and MetroRail.
Additionally, the card can be preloaded, so using transit is as simple as tapping the card at the gate; the appropriately reduced fare will be deducted automatically. If you choose to use the 85-cent discount on buses, exact change is required, and you must present a valid photo ID.
MetroAccess
MetroAccess is a paratransit service that offers shared rides for older individuals who need them. While it is not free, costs are capped at a very low rate (no more than $4.50 per trip). Those who want to use MetroAccess may fall into two categories: fully eligible or conditionally eligible.
Those with conditional eligibility may be able to use bus or rail services, but only sometimes. These people will need to recertify with MetroAccess every three years. Conversely, fully eligible participants cannot use rail or bus services at all, and they will receive approval for five years.
What Our Community is Saying
“We are grateful we found you, but ever more grateful that you are there. What a beautiful organization it is. The volunteers are gems, truly. God bless you for your work.” – A child of older parents.
Discover the Transportation Assistance That Works for You
Are you or a family member struggling to find safe, accessible, reliable, and friendly transportation opportunities? If so, Northern Virginia has plenty of services that can help you get to where you need to go.
Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston.
If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you! You can also view our newsletter or sign up to receive it yourself.